Folks, the window is closing for 2009 NFIP Flood certification courses.  As of today, there are 9 courses remaining with the last course being held April 29th in Baltimore, MD.  Please click here for the full schedule and here for general information and registration.  Once storm season begins it is virtually impossible to find NFIP certification so now is the time!

A word on this certification: NFIP stands for National Flood Insurance Program and is authored and overseen by FEMA.  Flood insurance for residential properties is offered under the NFIP’s umbrella – separate from typical home-owner’s insurance.  Having this certification makes you eligible as an independent adjuster to handle flood claims which annually represent a significant percentage of residential claims.  There is, however, one major stipulation: you must have at least 4 years consecutive property adjusting experience before you are able to obtain this certification.  For those just beginning their careers, you can still take the course but you will not be able to obtain the certification.  In the event of a major catastrophe resulting in widespread flooding, FEMA may possibly make exceptions and allow those adjusters who have taken the course (but did not certify due to inexperience) to handle certain types of flood claims.

- Daniel Kerr